REI.com at youtube

REI stands for Recreational Equipment Inc., and that is exactly what the company provides. Anything you need for enjoying the great outdoors more fully is what you can find when shopping at REI. Here are five key reasons why you should shop at REI for the outdoors clothes, gear and gadgets you need.

Reason #1: They have everything you need - literally. One of the biggest benefits that comes with being a large, profitable national chain store is the ability to regularly stock unique and little known gadgets and gear that can't be found anywhere else (except perhaps in a small, out of the way gear shop out on some country road that you don't even know exists!) Whether you are seeking weatherproofing gear for a tiny helmet camera or a large family tent, or something far more esoteric, chances are good you will find it at REI - and nowhere else. But perhaps the best reason to buy from the store that has everything is their 100 percent satisfaction guarantee return policy. So long as the item isn't being returned for reasons of normal wear and tear, REI will take it back, and the return can take place online, in stores, by mail or by phone.

Reason #2: They are where you are. REI has locations across the country in 35 major states and are adding new stores all the time. Plus you can shop at REI online from anywhere at any time. So no matter where you are or how little time you have to shop, REI can make sure you have what you need to enjoy your nature adventure safely and more fully. Also, you will often find an REI just where you least expect to find it - next to the local Walmart or fast food joint. This means even if you are en route to (or already in) a rural location, there may just be an REI quite close to you. And you can always use REI's free mobile app to give you directions to the closest REI location to where you are, no matter where that is.

Reason #3: They teach you to use what you buy - and even teach you for free. Log on to REI's website anytime and you will find a wide range of education and instructional content about just about anything. Even more fun - as certain activities catch on (for instance, right now stargazing is hot thanks to Pluto!), REI will post online guides for the right kind of gear to use and how to get started with that activity. The website even allows you to search for classes at a local REI near you (done by zip code) so you can learn about different types of fitness activities, outdoor first aid and more.

Reason #4: REI actually cares - and proves it. Did you know REI is a co-op? As of 2015, REI is owned by its 5.5 million members, each of whom pays $20 per year for the privilege. As part of that purchase, each member gets a 10 percent dividend, tons of discounts on purchases and classes and a chance to have a say in the company itself. Also, REI annually donates millions to various conservation causes, from trail building to habitat restoration and beach clean-up. And REI regularly makes Fortune magazine's list of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" - in fact, they've made the list every year since the list was launched in 1998! So supporting REI with your hard earned cash supports a company that is built around giving back - to nature, to those who shop with REI and to local communities through its Foundation and grants programs.

Reason #5: REI offers shoppers lots of perks, discounts and freebies. Whether you are an REI co-op member or not, you can always find great deals and freebies on the REI website, at the REI outlet and in local stores. For instance, buy $50 worth of items online and shipping is automatically free. Add your email to the REI Gearmail list and get an automatic 15 percent off certain items in REI's inventory. The website also promotes special limited time promotional offers (right now there is an offer for 25 percent off any one item at the REI Outlet). You can also access - for free - more than 350 articles and videos on a diverse range of outdoors topics, so you can learn for free what to do, what not to do, where to go and where to avoid before you get there!

By choosing to buy at REI rather than at a general purpose store or even a small craft and gear shop, you give to a co-operative community that is based on giving.